Section 2
Games
Non invasive
Part invasive
Invasive
Modified Games
Games
1
Landmines
Non Invasion
Key Focus:
Spatial Awareness, Agility,
and Dodging Skills
HOW TO PLAY:
 10m square grid (or larger depending on nos.)
 Collapsible domes (multi-markers) of different










colours
Make tracks in the snow. – moving forwards
Move sideways, backwards looking over your
shoulder
Stop on command – where are the spaces?
Point to the spaces and move there
Step on two landmines of different colours
Move but try to stay in a space of your own –
spatial awareness (each one to their own dome)
Divide players into 4 groups and place around
grid as shown
On signal Groups 1 & 2 attempt to cross the
‘Minefield’ without touching the ‘mines’ (domes)
or any of their friends
Allow 4 groups to attempt above
Repeat above with a ball
Group 3
Change
Activities
Regularly
Group
2
Group
4
Group 1
Game 1
2
Equipment:
Focus:
Questions:
Coloured soft
multi markers,
balls
Agility, Movement, Spatial
Awareness, Co-operation,
Communication.
Did you make them aware of safety?
Did you make them travel in different directions?
Did you encourage them to find space?
Safety:
Checklist…. Is each player:
Look over shoulder when moving back
Don’t cross feet over when moving sideways
Potential to bump into others in the grid
highlighted
Use a few domes initially
Challenge
Moving in different directions and making tracks in the snow?
Aware of the space in the grid?
Challenged by the activities set?
Having FUN?
Easier
Harder
SPACE
Make the space bigger
Split group and they run across grid at same
time. Make the space smaller.
TASK
Dribble a ball across with a stick
Decrease numbers in the grid
Have defenders in the grid to intercept
Place more domes in the grid
EQUIPMENT
Reduce the number of domes used
Introduce a ball
Pick up cone and use a steering wheel
PEOPLE
Reduce the number in the grid
Add more defenders to the grid
Key Words: Spatial awareness / Spaces / Communication/
Observe others / Movement / Different directions .
3
Find a Goal
Non Invasion - Target
HOW TO PLAY:
10 Players in pairs
Mark out a grid 30m x 20m (Bigger for
Striking)
Each pair sets out two cones, 1 m apart
and attempts to punt/strike pass the ball
to each other( the target is the goalcones)
Pairs then move and repeat this working
their way around the five sets of goals
The course is complete when a goal
has been scored through each pair of
markers
Pick two players to act as goalkeepers.
They move and block goals, the other
players must find the free goals to make
a score
Modification - Cross Fire:
One player from each pair moves out
side the grid and returns passes to their
partner inside the grid
Key Focus:
Punt pass, Hitting the Target
Goal
Find
Another
Goal
Find
Another
Goal
Game 2
4
Equipment:
Focus:
Footballs,
helmets,sticks and
balls, cones
Movement, Spatial Awareness, Catching,
Kicking, Striking, Support play. Cooperation, Goalkeeping.
Questions:
Did you help to supervise the game?
Did you help to change the goalkeepers?
Did you encourage players to spot and fix problems?
Safety:
Checklist…. Is each player:
Leave enough space between each
goals. Start with a big grid 30m x 20m or
30m x 30m for striking. Avoid
dangerous challenges
Passing and soloing with both feet or striking off both sides?
Co-operating with their partner? (Visual – pointing, Audible – calling)
Achieving the task set? Make it less challenging? Aware of those about
them? Weighting the pass not too hard or too easy?
Challenge
Easier
Harder
Space
Increase Space
Decrease Space
Task
Make the Goals wider
Begin by throwing and catching.
Use walking pace then jogging pace
Make the goals smaller
Kick and Strike ball to each other from further
away.
Equipment
Use big to medium balls
Use different size striking implements
Use poles as targets
Use sticks and smaller balls
People
Work in pairs with no opposition
Introduce defenders
Keywords: Movement / Good First Touch on ball /
Be direct/ Keep possession / Best Route/ Accuracy
5
Tower Ball
Non Invasion - Target
HOW TO PLAY:
4 Attackers attempt to out wit a defender by
passing the ball to the attacker in the most
advantageous position for a shot on target i.e.
to knock down a cone. They must remain out
side a small grid or circle area at all times (4m
x 4m or bigger for striking).
NB. This is the main principal of attack in
most invasion games and should be
emphasised as often as possible.
One defender attempts to protect his goals (a
cone inside a large hoop in the middle of the
grid) by keeping his body between the goal
and the ball at all times. S/he is not allowed in
side the hoop.
NB. This is the main principal of defence in most
invasion games and should be coached
frequently.
Allow very young children throw the ball
initially before challenging them to hand
pass/fist/ground kick/punt and finally strike.
Key Focus:
Simple Attack / Defence
Principles
Work
the Ball
Around
The Zone
GOAL
Knock down
the Cone
Beat the
Goalie
Game 3
6
Equipment:
Focus:
1 football, 1 medium/ small
ball, a stick for each child,
1 cone, 1 hoop & 4 domes
per group.
Movement, Spatial Awareness,
Catching, Kicking, Striking, Support
play, Co-operation, Goalkeeping
(Defending) and attacking skills.
Questions:
Did you help to change the goalkeepers (defenders)?
Did you encourage players to spot and fix problems?
Did you praise good attacking/defending play?
Did you ask them to come up with their own scoring system and
changing roles etc.?
Safety:
Checklist…. Is each player:
Avoid dangerous challenges
Leave enough space between each grid.
Start with a small grid 4m x 4m for handling and move to 15m x 15m
for kicking and finally to a 25m x 25m grid for striking.
All wearing helmets for striking skills.
Co-operating with their partners & achieving the task set?
‘Weighting’ the pass correctly, Height of pass i.e. not too high
or low? Angle of pass i.e. away from the defender?
These are the Qualities of good passing.
Challenge
Easier
Harder
SPACE
Increase the SPACE (Attackers)
Decrease the SPACE (Defenders)
Decrease the SPACE (Attackers)
Increase the SPACE (Defenders)
TASK
Use hand / fist passes then ground and punt kicks
before challenging them to strike on ground and
out of the hand
Use bats / sticks and introduce medium (16 / 11
cm) balls and then smaller ball ( 9 / 6 cm)
EQUIPMENT
Make goals bigger, add extra cones or introduce
poles, use different size balls
Use poles as targets
Use bats and sticks
PEOPLE
Introduce more attackers
Introduce more defenders
Keywords: Movement / Good First Touch on ball /
Be direct/ Keep possession / Best Route/ Accuracy
7
Rotate the Defender
Key Focus:
Passing– support on the ball
and the angle of the pass.
Non Invasion - 4 V 1
HOW TO PLAY:
Start with 5 players in each area.
Use an area approx. 10m x 10m
4 attackers stay outside the area, 1 defender
insider the area.
Defenders stay inside the area the
attackers outside the area
Change the defender every 30 seconds
Attackers must move along the line to
make an angle for the the passer to
complete their pass
Players should play 5 consecutive
punt/strike passes to score 1 point (Bigger
grid – 30m x 20m)
Attacker
Defender
Attacker
Ten Passes
Or 30 sec.
in middle
Modification:
Attacker
Introduce another defender to the grid
Introduce another attacker to the grid
Progress to having all the players in side the
grid – 4 v 2 etc.
Attacker
Game 4
8
Equipment:
Focus:
Questions:
1 footballs, 1
small ball, 4
cones, multi
markers, bibs
Movement, Spatial Awareness,
Catching, Kicking, Support and
defensive skills
Did you help to supervise the game?
Did you help to change the defenders?
Did you encourage players and spot and fix problems?
Safety:
Checklist…. Is each player:
Avoid dangerous challenges
Leave enough space between
each group
Wear shin guards for striking
 Disguising the passes? Use ball and body feints
 Keeping the ball low or high? Which are easier to intercept?
 Passing with both feet?
 Using the hand pass, when receiver is near?
 Weighting the pass correctly?
 Defender – Be Smart – Don’t rush in all the time but ‘Read’ the pass
Challenge
Easier
Harder
SPACE
Increase the space
Decrease the space
TASK
Play 1-2-3-4 around the square
Use hand passes before introducing feet and
finally striking
Play 3v1 with attackers allowed to move to
lines (only one on a line at a time)
Play an attacking player inside the grid
EQUIPMENT
Use bright coloured balls use soft balls
Use different size balls
Use feet, bats and finally sticks
PEOPLE
Attackers are allowed to move along the grid line
to support the passer
Play 4 v 2 inside the grid, the defenders (2) must
intercept the ball
different
Key Words: Movement / good first touch on ball /Disguise/ Conceal
Head up / Support on the ball/ Angle of Support/Watch the ball/ Covering
9
Over the Road
Key Focus:
Catch & Kick
Non Invasion
HOW TO PLAY
 20m x 30 m pitch.
 5 players per team.
 1 football in the game – develop to 2.
 5/6 m wide road - two rows of cones or
domes across the middle.
 No player can step on the road.
 Kick the ball into the opposition’s grid
 Score if the ball touches the ground.
 Defend the free spaces when not in
possession
Modification:
Scout Ball:
One player from each team goes to opposite
court and acts as a ‘scout’ i.e. your team
attempts to punt/strike the ball over to her/him.
Score: 2 Points if the ‘Scout’ catches and 1 Point
if it hits the ground.
5 min
each way
Kick Ball
To Spaces
The Road
Game 5
10
Equipment:
Focus:
Questions:
4 footballs, hurls /
small balls/ multi
markers/balls
Agility, Movement, Spatial
Awareness, Co-operation,
Communication, Catching, Kicking.
Did you encourage them to step up to edge of road?
Did you encourage them to look left and right?
Did you encourage them to look ‘short’ and ‘long’?
Safety:
Checklist…. Is each player:
Watch for footballs in flight
Use light balls for younger kids
Make players aware of potential to
bump into others in their grid
Challenge
Taking a step before kicking the ball?
Kicking off the laces and using a hard foot?
Dropping the ball from right hand to right foot / left hand to left foot?
Bouncing and catching the ball every four steps?
Defending the spaces quickly after the kick?
Easier
Harder
SPACE
Longer and wider pitch
Narrow the road (‘C’ class)
Make the pitch shorter and narrower
Make the road wider (‘Motorway’)
TASK
Carry to edge of road and kick
Use hands, feet, bats and finally sticks as sk
improves
Allow 2 Bounces before a catch
Bounce and solo to edge and kick
Make a pass before kicking back across
Use non preferred side to throw, kick or strike the
ball
EQUIPMENT
Use lighter softer balls
Reduce the number of balls being used
Increase the number of footballs / small balls
PEOPLE
Increase the numbers i.e. less space to defend
Decrease numbers on one side i.e. more space to
defend
Key Words: Look for Space / Off Laces / Hard Foot / Same Hand Same Foot/
Watch Ball / Watch Movement of Other / Kick to the Space
11
Hit The Kerbs
Key Focus:
Accuracy in Kicking/Striking
Kick/Strike long/short
Non Invasion - Court Game
Score
How To Play:
 20m x 30m Pitch
 3/5 Players Per Team
 Start with one ball add more as skill
levels improve
 5/8 m Wide Road
 No player is allowed in the road
Score:
 Punt / strike ball at cones on the
centre line (white)
 Or through opponents’ cones
 Or hit opponent’s grid with the ball
 A point for a ‘clean’ catch
Kick Ball
To Knock
Cone Down
Kick Ball
To Spaces
Game 6
12
Equipment:
Focus:
4 footballs,4 small balls,12
cones, multi markers, bats
and sticks.
Agility, Movement, Spatial Awareness,
Co-operation, Communication,
Catching, Kicking long and short,
Passing,
Safety:
Did you encourage them to look long and short?
Did you encourage them to look left and right?
Checklist…. Is each player:
Watch for footballs in flight
Use light balls for younger kids
Make players aware of potential to
bump into others in their grid
Allow players to replace cones
Challenge
Questions:
Taking a step before kicking the ball and using a hard foot?
Dropping the ball from right hand to right foot / left hand to left foot?
Co-operating with the others in the grid?
Looking long and short and right and left?
Striking of the non preferred side
Easier
Harder
SPACE
Widen the pitch
Narrow the road (‘C’ class)
Make the pitch longer
Make the road wider (‘Motorway’)
TASK
Pass the ball to players near the ‘road’
Carry to edge of river and kick
Kick/Strike the ball from where you receive it
EQUIPMENT
Kick ball through goals at front of grid
Use bats before introducing sticks
Kick ball into goals at the back of grid
Use smaller balls for striking
PEOPLE
Extra numbers in grid
Player numbers decreased
Add defenders
Key Words: Look for Space / Look Long / Look Short/ Look Right/ Look Left /Hard Foot/ Laces/
Head down/ Right hand Right foot / Left hand Left foot / Hit the Target
13
Hit the Corners
Non Invasion - Court
HOW TO PLAY:
GOAL
 20m x 30 m pitch
 5 players per team
 1 football in the game – develop with
2
 4/5 m wide road - two rows of cones
across the middle
 No player can step on the road
 Players must stay out of the corner
zones until the ball is kicked
 When players retrieve the ball they
work it in their grid, switching the
point of attack, until the opportunity
arises to hit one of the two corners
 Team scores by getting the ball into
the corner zones
Key Focus:
Long accurate Kicking
The Road
Hit the
Corners
Game 7
14
Equipment:
Focus:
Questions:
4 footballs, small balls,
sticks, 16 cones, multi
markers
Agility, Spatial Awareness, Co-operation,
Communication, Catching, Kicking deep
to corners, Changing point of attack
Did players stay outside zones until ball kicked?
Did you encourage kids to move ball around grid?
Did you encourage them to disguise pass?
Safety:
Checklist…. Is each player:
No obstacles on playing surface
Watch for footballs in flight
Use light balls for younger kids
Make players aware of potential to
bump into others in their grid
Challenge
Cooperating as a team?
Using proper technique?
Achieving the task set – getting the ball deep into the corner zones?
Involved in the movement of the ball in the grid?
Defending the spaces quickly when the ball is kicked into their grid?
Easier
Harder
SPACE
Make the corner zones larger
Create a zone in the middle of the grid
Make the corner zones smaller
Introduce corner zones at the front of grid
TASK
Kick the ball into a central zone
Allow extra hand pass
Use sticks to strike ball
Ball must bounce before entering the zone
Make max. 2 passes before kicking back
Use non preferred side for shooting
EQUIPMENT
Use lighter softer balls that hang
Reduce the number of balls being used
Use bats before sticks
Increase the number of balls being used
Use smaller balls for striking
PEOPLE
Allow one person to stay in the zone
Have team mate in opposite zone to score
Cannot move into the zone until the ball has
crossed the road
Key Words: Look for Space Deep in Corners / Off Laces / Hard Foot / Same Hand Same Foot/
Watch Ball / Watch Team / Change point of attack / Switch Play/ Minimise hand passing
15
Pass and Attack
– Part Invasion
Key Focus:
Switch Play, Attacking &
Defending Skills
GOAL
Make the
HOW TO PLAY
catch give
 20 x 30 m pitch
 5 players per team
the pass
 3 V 2 in each grid (2 Attackers & 3
Defenders)
 3/5 m wide road - two rows of cones across
the middle.
 Aim – To throw, hand/fist, kick or strike a
ball over the ‘road’
 No player can step on the road
 Players from each side play on the
opposition’s side of the road
 Teams in grids compete for the ball
 Score earned when either one of these
attackers receives a pass from across the
road or the attackers shoot the ball
through the 2 sets of goals on the back
grid
The Road
Game 8
16
Equipment:
1 football, 1 small ball,
bats and sticks for
each player,8 cones,
multi markers
Focus:
Agility, Movement, Spatial Awareness, Cooperation, Communication, Catching,
Kicking, Switching Play, Support Play
Safety:
No obstacles on playing surface
Watch for footballs in flight
Use light balls for younger kids
Make players aware of potential
to bump into others in their grid
Challenge
Questions:
Did you minimise hand passing?
Did you encourage children to move ball around the
grid? Did they change the point of attack?
Checklist…. Is each player:
Showing the ability to win possession and support play?
Showing the technical capacity to pass under pressure?
Demonstrating the Tactical Awareness to make Decisions?
Showing an Awareness of Space and Teamwork?
Ability to tackle and block passes and read where the ball is going?
Easier
Harder
SPACE
Make it bigger, wider and longer
Narrow the road (‘C’ class)
Make the pitch narrower and shorter
Make the road wider (‘Motorway’)
TASK
Allow one pass before punting/striking over
Carry to edge of road and kick
Play the ball ‘First Time’
Make a pass before kicking back across
EQUIPMENT
Use lighter softer balls
Reduce the number of balls being used
Use bats and then sticks
Increase number of balls being used
Receiver moves through ‘Road’ to pass and link up for
a score
PEOPLE
Have less defenders and more attackers
Have more defenders and less attackers
Key Words: Catch/ Support Play/ Kick/Strike to Target/ Switch Play/ Hand/Fist pass.
17
Pass, Attack, Penetrate
Key Focus:
Mid field set up, Penetration,
Offensive & Defensive Skills
Part Invasion
Last player in
Possession
Penetrates
HOW TO PLAY:
 20m x 30 m pitch
 5 players per team
 3 Defenders V 2 Attackers in each grid
 4/8m wide road - two rows of cones across






the middle.
Aim – To throw/hand/fist/kick or strike the
ball over the ‘Road’ to attackers on the other
side.
No player can step on the road
2 Players from each side play on the
opposition’s side of the road.
On receiving the ball make two passes
Person receiving the last pass (green) can
move unopposed onto the road to deliver
pass.
Scoring: A set number of passes e.g. 8 or
pass the ball through either goals on end line
The Road
GOAL
Game 9
18
Equipment:
Focus:
Questions:
Footballs, small
balls, bats and
sticks, multi markers
and cones
Agility, Movement, Spatial Awareness,
Co-operation, Communication,
Catching, Kicking, Penetration,
Possession
Did you count the passes in the grid?
Did you encourage Attacker to go onto the ‘road’?
Did they look left and right and make a good pass?
Safety:
Checklist…. Is each player:
No obstacles on playing surface
Watch for footballs in flight
Use light balls for younger kids
Make players aware of potential to bump into others in
their grid
Challenge
Moving into space looking for possession?
Managing to catch the ball and make a pass?
Working as part of a team in the grid?
Who moves onto the road unopposed?
Who has a defensive role fulfilling this?
Easier
Harder
SPACE
Increase the size of the grid
Narrow the ‘road’ (Motorway)
Make the pitch narrower and longer
Make the ‘road’ wider (‘Motorway’)
TASK
Two players can take ball onto the road
without opposition
Place goals on end line to score through
Use sticks to strike with
Make 4 passes before returning the ball
1 Player can meet opposition on the road
Use non preferred side to kick or strike
EQUIPMENT
Use lighter softer balls
Use bats and sticks
Use tennis balls/juvenile sliotars
PEOPLE
Create 4 v 1, 5 v 2 in the grid
Create 3 v 3 in the grid
Player on road sidesteps defender for point
Key Words: Look for Space / Penetration / Support Play / Good First Touch/
Look and Listen/ Team Play/Decision making.
19
Border Raiders
Part Invasion
Key Focus:
Penetration & Support
START AREA
3 V 1 Around
HOW TO PLAY:
the Zones
Teams of 4 – 3 Attackers (Raiders) & 1 Defender
Nos. Teams 1, 2 etc. and go to start area as
shown
Defenders go to side of mid field
Aim – Defender from Team 1 goes to Zone 1
while his/her 3 Attacking team mates start
behind end line
On signal the Attackers attempt to by pass the
defender and move into Zone 2, go around the
cone and attack Zone 3 and 4 as shown
If the defender intercepts s/he returns the ball
and moves back to defend Zone 2, Zone 3 etc.
before returning to side line
As soon as Team 1 has rounded the cone, Team
2 begin with the Defender from Team 2 moving
into Zone 1 etc.
Scoring: Teams score 1 Point for successfully
passing through each of the zones. Defenders
may also score 1 Point every time they intercept
the ball in a zone.
Team 2 Etc.
Zone 1
Zone 4
DEFENDERS
Zone 3
Zone 2
ATTACK
Game 10
20
Equipment:
Focus:
Questions:
1 football,1 small balls,
a bat/stick per child, 4
cones, multi markers,
bibs
Movement, Spatial Awareness, Cooperation, Team Work,
Communication, Dodging, Catching,
Kicking, Tackling.
Did players stay in their zone and tackle
fairly i.e. the ball?
Did you encourage support on and off the ball?
Safety:
No obstacles on playing surface
Watch for footballs in flight
Use light balls for younger kids
Make players aware of potential to bump into
others in their grid
Challenge
Checklist…. Is each player:
Using the space available i.e. sides, front and behind?
Moving to the sides to support the player on the ball?
Competing directly against someone of equal size and ability?
Following the instructions given, whose attacking/defending?
Are the Defenders rushing into the tackle?
Easier
Harder
SPACE
Make the Grids wider and longer
Make the grid narrower and shorter
TASK
No defender initially or restrict their space
Get a score for a block
Use sticks
Three passes in each grid
One ‘Touch’ only when passing
EQUIPMENT
Use lighter softer balls
Use bats and sticks
Use regulation size football
Use size 4 sliotar
PEOPLE
Play an extra Attacker
Increase numbers in the grid to 2 v 3
Key Words: Support play / Angle of Support / Mark side by side/
Read the Pass/ Block the pass
21
Weak side Score
Key Focus:
Weak side
Full Invasion
HOW TO PLAY
1 goalkeeper, 2 defenders and 2
attackers per team.
Defenders and attackers match
up.
Each player wears a wrist band to
identify non preferred side.
All passes with hand, foot or stick
are with the weak side.
All scores are with the weak side.
Sock down or up/Sleeve down or
up /wrist band to identify weak side.
Score and Pass
with the
Weak Side
Game 11
22
Equipment:
Focus:
Questions:
Wrist bands, 3 footballs,
3 small balls, sticks for
each player, goals,
markers, bibs.
Agility, Movement, Spatial Awareness, Cooperation, Communication, Catching, Kicking,
Blocking, Team Work, Support play
Did you encourage players to pass
with the weak side?
Did you encourage them to shoot with
weak side?
Safety:
Checklist…. Is each player:
Watch for footballs in flight
Use light balls for younger kids
Make players aware of potential to
bump into others in their grid
Challenge
Using the space available and using the weak side of their body?
Moving to the right angle (side) to support the player on the ball?
Competing directly against someone of equal size and ability
Running off the ball?
Being rotated around the positions?
Easier
Harder
SPACE
Make the Grids wider and longer
Make the goals bigger
Make the pitch narrower and shorter
Make the goals smaller
TASK
Use hand/fist/foot/stick passes only
Allow attacker to solo/dribble with the ball
Ball must be played back before it goes forward again
Attackers only allowed one touch only
EQUIPMENT
Use lighter softer balls
Use sticks to strike the ball
Use regulation size football
Use small but regulation mini goalposts
PEOPLE
Restrict players to specific areas
Play extra attackers
Play an extra defender
Key Words: Support play / Angle of Support / Mark side by side/ Read the Pass/
Block the pass/ Weak side Passing/ Weak side shooting.
23
Opposite Corners
Key Focus:
Switching Play
Full Invasion
HOW TO PLAY:
2 teams of 4 players in a square with 4
goals (red and blue)
Area 30m x 40 m (Bigger for Striking)
Score in either of the two oppositions’
goals
If the ball goes out restart with a sideline
kick or side line cut.
When a score is made, give the ball to the
other team who start with a kick/strike out
No goalkeepers in this game
Ball is straight back into play after the
score is taken (Keep a ball behind each of
the goals)
Focus on use of weak side.
Variation: Mark out centre zone for players
to play around ( This encourages wing
play i.e. width in mid field)
Keep a Ball behind each of the Goals
Goal
30m
Goal
Working the
Score
40m
Goal
Goal
Game 12
24
Equipment:
Focus:
Questions:
5 footballs, 5 small
balls, a stick for each
player, 8 cones, multi
markers
Movement, Spatial Awareness, Cooperation, Switch Play, Wing Play,
Catching, Kicking, Defending, Scoring.
Did you ask questions to promote decision making?
Did you encourage everyone to take part?
Did you spot and fix mistakes and praise success?
Safety:
Checklist…. Is each player:
Avoid dangerous challenges
Group players by height and ability
Have a ball behind each of the goals to
speed up play
Challenge
Moving the ball quickly?
Aware of the other players running off the ball?
Looking for the long diagonal pass to open up the play?
Working as part of a team to get a quality pass to a scorer?
Changing the direction of the play at the correct time?
Easier
Harder
SPACE
Increase the space
Bigger goals, more goals i.e. down the sides
Decrease the space.
Smaller goals, less goals
TASK
Team can score in any goal but the last
one they scored into
Ball must be played through a middle zone (circle)
EQUIPMENT
Place goal in the middle of each side
Use sticks to challenge further
Use sticks with weak side
Use smaller ball 6cm
PEOPLE
Play extra attackers
Play goal keepers
Play an extra defender on each side
Mark a square in each corner, players must
receive the ball in the square to score
Use sticks to play with
Coach calls which goals to shoot into
Key Words: Be direct / find and use space/ possession/ play the Diagonal ball
width/depth/ support.
25
Wide Man - Link to Score
Full Invasion
Key Focus:
Creating width
HOW TO PLAY:
Size of Pitch: 40m x 30m
1 goalkeeper, 2 defenders
and 2 attackers per team.
2 Extra Players (Wide Men) run
the channels on the wings.
Players in channel cannot be
tackled.
Player must be used at least
once in the attack..
Player in the channel returns the
ball to the team who passed into
the channel.
Teams score per normal into
oppositions goals.
Game 13
26
Equipment:
Focus:
Questions:
3 footballs, 3 small balls, one
stick per player,4 cones,
markers, 2 sets of bibs
Movement, Spatial Awareness, Co-operation,
Communication, Catching, Kicking, Creating Width,
Team Play.
Did you encourage children
to use players in the channel?
Did you encourage them to look left and right?
Safety:
Checklist…. Is each player:
No obstacles on playing surface
Watch for footballs in flight
Use light balls for younger kids
Make players aware of potential to
bump into others in their grid
Challenge
Executing good technique under pressure?
Looking up and finding the players in the channel?
Minimising the number of hand passes to get ball to midfield?
Making good decisions in relation to passing options and tackling?
Defending after they lose possession?
Supporting the Wide Men?
Easier
Harder
SPACE
Lengthen the pitch
Increase width of side channel
Make the pitch shorter and narrower
Make the side channel shorter
TASK
Use non preferred side
Use punt passes only
Use sticks
Must go through both channels to encourage
switching play
Players must use ‘First Touch’
EQUIPMENT
Use lighter softer balls
Use sticks and bigger size balls e.g. 11/9 cm
Use smaller goals
Use smaller balls, size 6 cm
PEOPLE
Have extra attackers
Increase numbers of defenders on one team
Key Words: Width / Switch Play / Diagonal Passes
27
Central Link to Score
Key Focus:
Link Play
Full Invasion
HOW TO PLAY:
 Two Teams of 6
 1 goalkeeper, 1 midfield, 2 defenders and
2 attackers per team.
 Extra player (blue)
 Team in possession scores by LINKING
through the extra player (blue) each time.
 Players must remain in own zones except
the Link player
 Player must be used at least once during
the attack.
 Player plays for the team in possession
but s/he cannot score
 Put a different coloured bib on player for
recognition.
 Change the link player frequently.
Extra player
Link player
In each attack
Game 14
28
Equipment:
Focus:
Questions:
3 footballs, 3 small balls, a stick for
each player, 4 cones, markers, 2
sets of bibs.
Agility, Movement, Spatial
Awareness, Co-operation,
Communication, Catching,
Kicking.
Did you encourage children to
look for the link player?
Did you encourage them to support after the pass?
Safety:
Checklist…. Is each player:
No obstacles on playing surface
Watch for footballs in flight
Use light balls for younger kids
Players must wear helmets with visors for
striking
Challenge
Easier
Looking for the link player (Pre Scanning)?
Defending after losing possession (Post Scanning)?
Looking about while on the ball (Scanning in Possession)?
Moving the ball quickly into the forward area?
Using the strong and weak sides to execute the skills?
Harder
SPACE
Lengthen the pitch
Widen the pitch
Make the pitch shorter and narrower
TASK
Have a Link player for each team
Use sticks to pass the ball
Use the link player twice in the one attack
All players must receive a pass before shooting
EQUIPMENT
Use lighter softer balls
Use sticks with size 11/9 cm balls
Use mini goals to allow points scoring
Use smaller balls – size 9/6 cm
PEOPLE
Employ two link players
Play an extra attacker
Can tackle the link player when in possession
Restrict Link player to middle zone
Key Words: Look for Space / Off Laces / Hard Foot / Same Hand Same Foot
/ Watch Ball / Watch Team mates/Strike off both sides.
29
Key Focus:
Double Back
Support
Penetration & depth
End Zone - Full Invasion
A
HOW TO PLAY
1 goalkeeper, 1 attacking player (A)
in end zone (In side the black
line/domes). Goalkeeper must
stay in goal until ‘A’ receives the
ball
5 m End Zone
A cannot come outside the black Target Player
line
Unopposed
4 v 4 between the black lines
When A’s receive the ball, players
in the middle zone support them.
Ball must be played out again by A
to support players for a score.
Could give extra points if score is
taken with weaker foot.
A
Ball kicked in
and must comes
out for a
SCORE
Game 15
30
Equipment:
Focus:
Questions:
3 footballs,3 small balls,
sticks for every player, 4
cones, multi markers
Support.Agility, Movement, Spatial Awareness,
Co-operation, Communication, Catching,
Kicking, Defending, Penetration,
Did the goalie stay in goals until ball was played in?
Did you encourage lateral movement from player A?
Did you encourage them to move the ball in early?
Safety:
Checklist…. Is each player:
No obstacles on playing surface
Watch for footballs in flight
Use light balls for younger kids
Make players aware of potential to bump
into others in their grid
Challenge
Moving the ball quickly?
Aware of the player A’s role inside?
Looking for the long pass option to player A?
Working as part of a team to get a quality pass into player A?
Going to support Player A as quickly as possible
Easier
Harder
SPACE
Increase the space player A has to play in
Increase the space for the out field players
Decrease the space player A has to play in
Decrease the space for the out field players
TASK
Only player A allowed inside for a score
Player A may come out to support
Attackers must play the ball in and out twice before
going for a score
EQUIPMENT
Use lighter softer balls
Reduce the number of balls being used
Use sticks
Use wrist bands to encourage weak side
Use smaller balls with striking
PEOPLE
Place extra players with the team in
possession.
Put a Defender on player A – 1 V 1 inside
Play an extra defender on either side
Key Words: Movement inside zone/ good first touch on ball /
move ball early into zone / support on the ball.
31
Go Football
Key Focus:
Under 8 years –
skill development
MINI U. 8’s











HOW TO PLAY:
6 v 6 in an area 45m x 30m (Use the 45m
line)
4 Pitches in each corner = 48 Players
Two players play in each zone.
Players cannot come outside the zone
allocated.
Only players in zone 2 can move into other
zones to create the link to the other players
(Have distinctive colours for these players)
At all stages of the game at least one
midfielder must remain in the middle zone.
All players rotate after each quarter
There are no goalkeepers. Last man back
becomes the goalkeeper.
Players can be matched by size.
Play 4 quarters – 6 minutes per quarter
2 POINTS over, 1 POINT under bar
15m
15m
Zone 1
Zone 2
Zone 2 –
Pitch
players can move
2
between zones
6v6
45m
15m
Zone 3
30m
Skill Development
30m
45m
Pitch
4
6v6
Pitch
3
6v6
Game 16
32
Equipment:
Portable goals (8ft. x 5ft.)
Bibs / 8 cones per pitch,
12 size 3 balls(1 left
behind all the goals)
Focus:
Is to acquire individual skills such as catching, kicking, striking,
evading and running in a controlled way. ‘Players first , Winning
second.’ The Process is more important than the Product.
Safety:
Rules:
Rules should be interpreted with common
sense, keeping in mind the philosophy of
the game ‘Playing For fun’
Ensure playing area is lined out away
from goal posts on pitch
No jewellery etc to be worn
Play players of equal size and skill level
Challenge
Questions:
Did the midfield move between zones?
Did one midfield stay in middle zone?
Were the key skills practiced?
Should be interpreted with common sense.
Commence by throwing ball up between midfielders
Ball caught and kicked from ground or hands
Ball carried 4 consecutive steps before bouncing – 2 consecutive bounces not allowed
Ball may be lifted off the ground with hands
All kick outs are taken from the hands behind the end line, frees and sideline balls taken from the hand
Incidental contact acceptable, no shouldering, pushing or holding
Ball played over own goal line results in a free from the 15 m line
Infringement of any rule results in a free kick from the hands or the ground
Player fouled takes the kick – opposition 5 m away – referee’s decision final
Easier
Harder
SPACE
Increase the space players have to play in
Mid fielders must remain in their own zone
Decrease the space players have to play in
Players must play ball immediately
TASK
Players cannot move outside their zone
Use ground kicks only
Players must play the ball ‘First Time’
All players can play any where
EQUIPMENT
Use lighter softer balls
Use wrist bands to encourage weak side
Use size 3 regulation ball
PEOPLE
Have an extra player who may play for the team
in possession
Allow players to move in two zones or
Allow players to move throughout the pitch
Key Words: Movement inside zone/ good ‘first touch’ on ball /
move ball early into zone / support on the ball/ catch / kick .
33
Go Hurling
MINI U. 8’s …….First Touch
Key Focus:
Under 8’s – Ground Striking.
AIM: To consolidate the basic skills
developed at U. 8 level (grip, ground
striking, dribbling and stopping).
1
Point
HOW TO PLAY:










Time Duration: 10 mins. Per Half
7 v 7 (45m x 40m – 4 pitches)
Use domes to mark out the half way line.
1 Goalkeeper, 2 backs,2 midfielders,2
forwards
Backs and forwards play in their zone.
Midfielders can move over all the pitch. They
must wear distinctive colours.
The ball is played on the ground at all times
other than the goalkeepers who can play
normal rules but is not permitted to solo.
All players must wear helmets with visors
SCORING
3 POINTS for a Goal
2 POINTS for over the bar
1 Point for an outer score (Use poles etc. 2m
out from goals to create an extra scoring
target)
Play in Your
Zone
20m
Zone 1
Pitch
1
45m
Half Way
Line
45m
Zone 2
40m
Pitch
3
Game 17
34
Equipment:
Focus: Is to consolidate skills at U. 8
Questions:
Portable goals (8’ X 5’)
Bibs / Cones / 2 Pitches / (9/11cm)
balls – two or three behind each
goals.
and develop weaker side. Encourage
first time ‘pulling’ on the ball. Keep the
ball moving at all times. To introduce
these skills in a competitive environment.
Did the players stay in their zones?
Were the key skills of ground striking practiced?
Safety:
Rules:
Use 9/11 cm balls for younger children
Make players aware of potential to
bump into others in their grid
Be careful when ‘pulling’ on the ball
Is everyone wearing helmets with
visors and shin guards
Net should stop a juvenile hurling ball
Challenge
Commence by throwing ball up between opposing midfielders
Ball to be played on the ground at all times
Goalkeeper to play as normal rules but not permitted to solo
Ball to be played from sidelines as normal
No deliberate body contact, pushing or holding, (incidental contact is acceptable)
Balls played over their own end lines – the other team is awarded a free from the ground at the half way
line Infringement of any rule results in a free which must be taken from the ground by the player awarded
the free
Opposition must be 10 m away from all frees, sideline and puck-outs
Easier
Harder
SPACE
Increase the space players have to play in.
Restrict players to specific zones
Decrease the space players have to play in
Allow players to move any where
TASK
Players in possession are not allowed to be challenged
Players allowed one ‘touch’ only
Use a smaller ball 6/9 cm
EQUIPMENT
Use larger balls 11/16 cm
Use sticks with a larger bas (boss)
Use full size mini goals.
Use velcro wrist bands to encourage weak side
PEOPLE
Place extra players with the team in
possession. They can roam between areas.
Allow players to move any where
Key Words: Movement inside zone/ make good decisions /
move ball early into zone / switch play/ look long/ support on the ball/strike/ evade/ side step
35
Go Football
MIDI U.10’s
HOW TO PLAY:
 9 v 9 in an area 100m x 40m – 2 pitches
 TIME DURATION:
 4 Quarters: 8 Mins. Per Quarter
 Play two pitches between the two 20’s
Key Focus:
Under 10 years – To consolidate the basic skills
developed at U. 8 and to focus on developing the weaker
side. Introduce attacking play, creating space and
decision-making skills.
Play in the
Zone
Zone 1
leaving a channel up the middle for
spectators
100m
 1 Goalkeeper, 4 backs, and 4 forwards
 Backs and forwards play in their zone
 When a score is made, play recommences
with a free pass to a defender in the zone.
Zone 2
Modification: 2 Defenders may move out of their
zone
Encourage long 40m
SCORING:
distance shooting
 2 POINTS for a Goal
 4 POINT for over the bar
and passing
Pitch
1
Spectator
Channel
20m
Pitch
2
20m
Game 18
36
Equipment:
Portable goals (10ft. X 6ft.) Bibs
/ 10 cones /2 pitches /3 size 3
balls (one behind each of the
goals).
Focus:
Is to acquire individual skills such as catching, kicking,
evading and running in a controlled way. Players first winning second. The process is more important than the
product.
Safety:
Did the midfield move between zones?
Did one midfield stay in middle zone?
Were the key skills practiced?
Rules
No obstacles on playing surface
Watch for footballs in flight
Make players aware of potential to
bump into others in their grid
Ensure playing area is lined out away
from goal posts on pitch
Challenge
Questions:
Commence by throwing ball up between midfielder
Ball caught and kicked from ground or hands
Ball carried 4 consecutive steps before bouncing – 2 consecutive bounces not allowed
Ball may be lifted off the ground with hands
All kick outs, frees and sideline balls taken from the hand
Incidental contact acceptable, no shouldering, pushing or holding
Ball played over own goal line results in a free from the 15 m line
Player fouled takes the kick – opposition 5 m away – referee’s decision final
Easier
Harder
SPACE
Increase the space players have to play in.
Restrict players to more zones
Decrease the space players have to play in.
Allow players to move any where
TASK
Players cannot move outside their zone
Players allowed an extra bounce but not
consecutively
Players must play the ball ‘first time’
The ball must be played back before it is played
forward again
EQUIPMENT
Use lighter softer balls
Use wrist bands to encourage weak side
Use size 3 regulation ball
PEOPLE
Place extra players with the team in
possession.
Place an extra defender in each off the attacking
zones
Key Words: Movement inside zone/ good first touch on ball /
move ball early into zone / support on the ball/ catch / kick / strike
37
Go Hurling
MIDI U.10’s…… Quick Touch
HOW TO PLAY:
 9 v 9 in an area 65m x 40m – 4 Pitches
 TIME DURATION:15 mins. Per Half
 1 Goalkeeper, 3 backs, 2 midfielders and 3
forwards
 Two zones, players must remain in their
zones except the mid- fielders who can play
any where
 All players must wear helmets with visor
 Optional to use modified (rubber base) or
normal hurls
 Play commences by throwing the ball
between opposing mid-fielders
 Ball to be played on the ground at all times
SCORING:
 1 POINT for a Goal
 3 POINTS for over the bar
Key Focus:
Under 10 years – Consolidate the basic skills
developed at U. 8’s and introduce these skills in a
controlled environment with emphasis on developing
both sides. To introduce striking from the hand with
little pressure.
Spectator
Channel
Pitch
1
Pitch 4
1
3v3
2v2
3v3
1
65m
Pitch 3
Game 19
38
Equipment:
Focus:
Questions:
3 Specially modified light sliotars,
a stick per child, a helmet and
visor, 4 cones, multi markers,
bibs.
Movement, Spatial Awareness, Cooperation, Team Work, Communication,
Dodging, Catching, Striking, Tackling.
Did players stay in their zone and tackle fairly?
Did you encourage players to set up play?
Did you encourage support on and off the ball?
Rules:
Safety:
Use Regulation Goals 10’ x 6’
Watch for footballs in flight
Use light balls for younger children
Make players aware of potential to
bump into others in their grid
Challenge
Goalie to play as normal rules but not permitted to solo. He may puck the ball out
from the hands
Sidelines may be taken from the hands
No deliberate shoulder charging, pushing or holding
Incidental contact is acceptable
Balls played over a team’s own end line results in a free strike from the hand from
the middle of the pitch
Easier
Harder
SPACE
Make the pitch wider
Use a bigger pitch (2 Pitches-Play between
the two 20’s down both sides)
Make the pitch shorter and narrower
TASK
Player on the ball cannot be tackled
Less skilled players allowed ‘2 Touch)
Player on the ball must evade a player before passing
Players restricted to ‘1 Touch’ only
EQUIPMENT
Use a bigger ball (size 9 cm ball)
Use size 4 sliotar
PEOPLE
Play less defenders or more attackers
Play more defenders or less attackers
Key Words: Support play / Angle of Support / Mark side by side/
Read the Pass/ Block the pass.
39
Go Football
MAXI U.12’s
HOW TO PLAY
 11 V 11 in an area 110 x 40m – 2 pitches
 Two teams play on either side of a full pitch
between the 13m lines
 TIME DURATION:
 2 Halves – 20 minutes per half
 Goalkeeper, two full backs, two half back,
two midfield, two half forward and two full
forwards.
 Formation: 1:2:2:2:2:2
 No Zones
 Players can move any where on the pitch
allocated.
 When a score is made, play recommences
with a kick out from the hands
 Normal GAA rules and scoring apply.
SCORING:
 3 POINTS for a Goal
 1 POINT for over the bar
Key Focus:
Refining of all the skills with particular
emphasis on catch and kick (passing),
evasion, tackling and spatial awareness.
Full Rules
Play position but
free to
move any where
Goalie
20m
2 Full Backs
2 Half Backs
Pitch
1
13m
45m
110m
2 Mid Fielders
2 Half Forwards
2 Full Forwards
Condition games
to
40m
emphasis a point
13m
Game 20
40
Equipment:
Focus:
Questions:
Portable goals (12ft. x 6ft.)
Bibs / 10 cones / pitch / size 3
balls/ velcro bands or sock
up/down
Refinement of all the skills with particular
emphasis on passing (catch & kick),
tackling, spatial awareness and support
play.
Did the players make good decisions?
Do players use a solo going into the tackle , a bounce
to evade and a solo to get away?
Do players off the ball support the player on the ball?
Safety:
Rules
Tackling is within the rules
No deliberate body contact
Avoid bunching of players
Use bibs to allow team recognition
Make players aware of potential to
injure others
Ensure playing area is lined out
away from goal posts on pitch
Challenge
Commence by throwing ball up between midfielders
Ball caught & kicked from ground or hands / fist or hand pass permitted but not 2 in succession
Ball carried 4 steps before bouncing or 2 solos – 2 consecutive bounces not allowed
Ball may be lifted off the ground with hands to speed up the game
All kick outs from the 20m line, frees and sideline balls taken from the hands.
Incidental contact acceptable, no deliberate shouldering, pushing or holding
Ball played over own goal line results in a free from the 45m line
Player fouled takes the kick – opposition 10 m away – referee’s decision final
Easier
Harder
SPACE
Increase the space players have to play in
Zone the players to specific areas
Decrease space players have to play in
TASK
Players allowed 4 passes in own half
Players allowed to keep possession for up to 5
secs.
Only two hand passes permitted in the attacking zone.
Players must play in their own zone – release ball in 3secs.
EQUIPMENT
Use lighter softer balls
Use full size mini goals.
Use velcro wrist bands to encourage weak side
PEOPLE
Place extra players with the team in
possession. They can roam between areas.
Ball transfer into forwards from own half by specific players
Key Words: Spatial awareness / Movement in forwards/ good decision-making /
move ball early into forwards / switch play/ look long/ support on the ball/ catch / kick / evade/ side step.
41
Go HURLING
MAXI U12’s
HOW TO PLAY:
 11 V 11 in an area 110 x 60m – 2 pitches
 TIME DURATION: 2 Halves – 20 minutes
per half.
 Two teams play on either side of a full
pitch between the 13m lines
 Goalkeeper, two full backs, two half back,
two midfield, two half forward and two full
forwards.
 Formation: 1:2:2:2:2:2
 Players can move anywhere on the pitch
allocated.
 Balls played over a team’s own end line
will result in a free puck from centre field.
 Normal GAA rules and scoring apply,
except all players must be at least 10m
away from all frees, sidelines & puck outs
SCORING:
 3 POINTS for a Goal
 1 POINT for over the bar
Key Focus:
refining of all the skills with particular emphasis
on lift and strike, catching, evasion and
tackling.
Full Rules
Play position but
free to
move any where
Pitch
1
Goalie
13m
2 Full Backs
20m
2 Half Backs
45m
110m
2 Mid Fielders
2 Half Forwards
Condition games to
emphasis40m
a point
2 Full Forwards
13m
Game 21
42
Equipment:
Focus:
Questions:
Portable goals (10″ x 6“)
Bibs / 10 cones / pitch / size 3 balls/
velcro bands or sock up/down
Refinement of all the skills with particular
emphasis on passing (catch & kick),
tackling, spatial awareness and support
play.
Did the players make good decisions?
Was the space used effectively?
Do players off the ball support the player on the
ball?
Safety:
Rules
Tackling is within the rules
Avoid bunching of players
Use bibs to allow team
recognition
Make players aware of
potential to injure others
Ensure playing area is lined out away
from goal posts on pitch
Challenge
The ball may be caught and played from the hands by either striking on the ground or lifting and striking
after a ‘clean’ catch – no assist lifts
Soloing is not permitted. A player may take the normal 4 steps before playing the ball away
All puck outs are taking from the hands and ‘sidelines’ are taken off the ground where the ball crosses the
line
Commence by throwing ball between opposing midfielders
No deliberate shoulder charging , pushing, or holding is allowed (incidental contact is permitted)
Frees may be taken from the hands or from the ground
When a team plays the ball over their own end line the opposition get a free strike from the half way line
All frees taken as normal by the player to whom it has been awarded – opposition must be 10 m away
Easier
Harder
SPACE
Increase the space players have to play in
Zone the players to specific areas
Decrease space players have to play in
TASK
Players cannot make as many hand passes as
they wish in the defensive zone.
Only two hand passes permitted in the attacking zone.
Players must play in their own zone – release ball in 5s.
EQUIPMENT
PEOPLE
Use lighter size 3 & 4 Juvenile Sliotars, one
placed behind all the goals
Place extra players with the team in
possession. They can roam between
Use full size mini goals.
Use velcro wrist bands to encourage weak side
Ball transfer into forwards from own half by specific players
areas.
Key Words: Spatial awareness / Movement in forwards/ good decision-making /
move ball early into forwards / switch play/ look long/ support on the ball/ catch / kick / strike/ evade/ side step
43